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| BLACKBUCK
IN ORISSA RESEARCH REHABILITATION CENSUS OF BLACKBUCKS Table:Trend:1973-2004 |
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BLACKBUCK: AN OVERVIEW |
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The Indian Blackbuck
(Antilope cervicapra), is one of the three species of antelopes
found in Orissa. The other two are Nilgai (Boselaphus tragocamelus)
and the Chowsingha (Tetracercus quadricornis). All the three are
even-towed (Artiodactyla) Bovids. Blackbuck is considered to be
the fastest animal in the world next to Cheetah. There is a fast
decline in the population of Blackbucks throughout the country due
to poaching and habitat loss. In the recent past, this endemic animal
was most numerous, commonly seen as a large wild mammal in the Indian
subcontinent. Subsequently within a short span of time this animal
has suffered much reduction in numbers. Blackbuck is included in
the Schedule-I of Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 and is designated
as Vulnerable as per Red Data Book (1994). It is one of the most
popular exhibits in most of the zoos of the country and else where.
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| DISTRIBUTION
AND STATUS |
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| Present
distribution in Orissa:
# It is now confined to Balukhand-Konark coastal plain / wildlife sanctuary in Puri District; Balipadar-Bhetnoi and adjacent areas in Ganjam District. # In Orissa the estimated population of Blackbuck is about 800 to 900. The Balipadar-Bhetnoi
area comprising of about 70 villages of Buguda, Aska and Kodala
Forest Ranges in Ganjam District. The Blackbucks of Balipadar-Bhetnoi
area are protected religiously by the local society. The belief
that the presence of Blackbuck in the paddy fields brings prosperity
to the local villager has contributed greatly to the conservation
of this species. The villagers do not kill the animal even if it
strays into the fields and grazes their crop. |
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RESEARCH A research scheme was partially implemented with financial assistance from the Ministry of Environment and Forests, Government of India for collection of basic scientific information on the isolated population of Blackbucks in Balipadar- Bhetnoi area during l995-'96. On the findings of the above study there has been documentation of (i) population status, sex composition, herd structure and social grouping (ii) distribution pattern of the animal and threat aspects, and (iii) breeding biology (natality /mortality parameters), etc. |
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| REHABILITATION Steps were taken to rehabilitate Blackbucks into Bhitarkanika Wildlife Sanctuary during 1985-87 by introducing 14 (9M+5F) zoo bred specimens of Nanadanakanan Zoological Park stock. They could not adjust to the new surrounding and all perished after a couple of months.
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| CENSUS
OF BLACKBUCKS Results of 2004-census
indicate that, there is 42% increase in the Blackbuck population
over the last count (1998census), and out of three Forest Ranges,
namely Buguda, Aska and Khallikote, Buguda Range alone holds 56%
of the Blackbuck population at present.
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MORPHOLOGY Blackbuck is a medium sized Antelope which stands about 80 cm. at the shoulder and weighs about 40 kg. They are sexually dimorphic. The males at their initial stage are brown without horns. However, with secretion of sexual hormone, males develop a pair of un- branched ,'corkscrew' horns on each side of head and change their body colour to elegant black. The beautiful spiral horns (never shed like deer's antler) may grow upto 50 cm. The colour of the body coat is light yellow in young and females. As the male grows older the dorsal body colour turns into black. Males have a pronounced post orbital glands which exude a pungent sticky secretion. |
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| HABITAT It primarily covers three Forest Ranges i.e. Buguda and Aska under Ghumsur south Division and Khallikote Range of Berhampur Forest Division. The state highway from Khurda to Berhampur via Nayagarh also passes through their habitat. The Blackbuck habitat covers about 60% cultivated lands/cropped fields, 15%rocky elevations, 10% man made houses and roads, 8% forest cover, 5% water bodies and 2% horticulture farms and waste lands. |
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FOOD Blackbucks live on fresh tender leaves, grass, crops, cereals, vegetables and leaves of shrubs and trees. They feed for a long time, select succulent grasses, tender shoots of crops and plants which help them to maintain water balance in their bodies. They can survive without drinking water for a day to week. |
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MOVEMENT
PATTERN Blackbucks are gregarious in nature. Their movement depends upon the following factors: · Availability of fresh vegetation · Availability of water · Human interference · Interference by domestic animals within their activity limit. · Environmental parameters like temperature, wind, rainfall play important role for determining the movement pattern of Blackbuck. |
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| HERD
STRUCTURE AND SOCIAL GROUPING |
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BREEDING Blackbucks breed in all seasons but main rut takes place between February to May .The gestation period is about 5-6 months. Usually only one young is born at a time. Females of about two years old and above give birth to young ones. At the Nandanakanan Zoo in Orissa, a female fawned for the first time at the age of 2 years and one month and another at the age of almost two and half years. |
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